Dance Connection 2 (DC2), a dance studio serving the East Valley for 35 years, announced it is collaborating with HopeKids Arizona, a local nonprofit that supports families who have children with life-threatening illnesses, on its A Season to Shine program, bringing the gift of hope this holiday season.
On the evening of Thursday, Nov. 11, DC2 is scheduled to host its Movin' and Groovin’ dance workshop for the HopeKids and their families. This is an opportunity for these kids to forget about the illnesses they are battling and discover and express themselves through the sport of dance. DC2's highly experienced staff and company dancers will work closely with each child teaching them a variety of dance techniques and, above all, make life-long memories.
"Our goal is to provide hope for our children and their families and this program supports that mission," said Andrea Lewis with HopeKids Arizona. "Collaborating with DC2 over the years has been such a rewarding experience for our children who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening medical conditions by allowing them to shine, make new friendships and most importantly provide hope."
The dance workshop is a stepping-stone to prepare the foundation's young performance hopefuls and their families for their moment to take center stage at DC2's A Season to Shine holiday showcase on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. A Season to Shine is full of holiday classics performed by the studios' talented dancers and other favorites making this a memorable family event for all ages.
DC2 dancers will also perform two other shows on Friday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. This heartwarming holiday tradition is being brought to the community in collaboration with long-time partner Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road. Tickets go on sale for the Friday and Saturday shows on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 9 a.m. at www.qcpac.com. A portion of proceeds from all three performances will be donated directly to HopeKids Arizona.
"It has been a tough time for many, so being able to make this program happen with HopeKids Arizona and share it with the community is truly a bright spot this holiday season," said MaryAnna Gooch, owner of DC2. "Seeing all our dancers share their passion and love of dance with these children both in the studio and on stage is an inspiration and an experience that I hope will stay with them beyond the dance floor."
About HopeKids
HopeKids provides ongoing events, activities and a powerful, unique support community for families who have a child with cancer or some other life-threatening medical condition. They surround these remarkable children and their families with the message that hope is a powerful medicine. Founded in September 2001 in Phoenix, it now serves nearly 1,500 families in Arizona. For more information, visit http://www.hopekids.org.
